How to Spend One Day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you only have one day to explore Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, here are the best sights, landmarks, restaurants, and places to stay during your visit!

During our recent honeymoon trip to Puerto Rico, our first stop was Old San Juan after flying in from our home on nearby St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands.

Driving into the historic district instantly captivated my attention. I love historical buildings and the stories behind them. So Old San Juan was a perfect destination to start our journey into Puerto Rico.

We had one day to see as many of the sights and sounds as the historic district had to offer. So naturally, we packed in every bit we could! This guide is almost the exact itinerary we took around the cobbled streets of Old San Juan!

Visiting Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The district is the most visited place on the Caribbean island, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting. It’s well worth your time and effort – particularly if you visit during the offseason (May – November), you’ll avoid many of the large cruise crowds that often pour into the streets.

WATCH: One Day in Old San Juan

Quick History of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The immense amount of history within the fortified walls of Old San Juan is a story far greater than I could ever tell. So, here are a few points that’ll give you a general idea about the historic city. As for the rest, you’ll just have to learn when you visit!

• 1493 – Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico during his second voyage to the New World.
• 1508 – Spanish Explore, Juan Ponce de Leon, founded the first European settlement, Caparra, in Puerto Rico. This settlement moved to the current location of Old San Juan in 1509.
• 1521 – The city of San Juan was officially established.
• 1539 – Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, begins its construction.
• 1771 – San Cristobal Fort is completed.
• 1949 – The San Juan National Historic Site was established by the National Park Service to preserve the architecture in Old San Juan.
• Today – the historic district is a vibrant center for cultural activity, rich history, and Spanish colonial architecture. You’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants, salsa clubs, and much more alongside the cobblestone streets and historic fortifications.

Spending One Day in Old San Juan

If possible, I recommend spending multiple days within Old San Juan to truly enjoy everything the city has to offer. However, one day is more than enough time to see beautiful landmarks, eat at delicious restaurants, and enjoy a night of salsa dancing.

🇵🇷 Exploring Old San Juan: Self-guided walking tours are an easy and affordable way to see all of the historic districts. This Puerto Rico Adventure Map from National Geographic has a handy cut out of Old San Juan to help you navigate.

Where to Park in Old San Juan

I recommend getting to Old San Juan early so you can find parking. Ballaja Parking Garage is large and centrally located for an affordable price. It’s an excellent starting point for a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan, as well.

We ended up snagging a spot in the valet parking lot next to the Catedral de San Juan after arriving later in the day. It was a good option with plenty of availability, although a touch pricier.

11 Must-see Landmarks in Old San Juan

Use this comprehensive list of historical landmarks in Old San Juan as a general itinerary for a self-guided walking tour. They’re listed in a counterclockwise direction as an encompassing path around the historic site.

🚶‍♂️ Guided Walking Tour: Or, just have someone else plan your walking tour for you! Old San Juan has many options for guided tours including one led by a local writer and historian!

San Felipe del Morro Castle (El Morro)

📍Google Maps

A part of the San Juan National Historic District, this 16th-century fortification overlooking the mouth of San Juan Bay was strategically placed by the Spanish to protect the harbor from enemy ships.

During your visit, I recommend starting your tour here by purchasing an admission ticket to the castle. Your ticket is good for entry into San Cristobal Castle, as well.

Paseo del Morro

📍Google Maps

This scenic walking path winds around the islet on the outside of El Morro’s walls before ending at Puerta de San Juan.

Paseo de la Princesa (Promenade of the Princess)

📍Google Maps

The Paseo del Morro continues into the Paseo de la Princesa along the southern walls of the city. You’ll find beautiful fountains, other historic buildings, and streetside cafes.

Puerta de San Juan

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Formerly, Puerta de Agua (Water Gate), this is the only original doorway left of the city’s old walls. Diplomats and Spanish royalty arriving by ship were welcomed at the gate before making their way up the street and into the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista to thank God for safe passage from Spain.

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista (Cathedral of San Juan)

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Constructed in 1540, the Cathedral is the second oldest in the Americas and the centerpiece of Old San Juan. The founder of the city, Juan Ponce de Leon, is buried in the church.

La Fortaleza (Santa Catalina Palace)

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La Fortaleza is a former fortress and the official residence of Puerto Rico’s governor.

Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud

📍Google Maps

Within the small chapel is a museum while on the outside are hundreds of pigeons eagerly awaiting a handed snack.

Calle de la Fortaleza

📍Google Maps

A notable street within the historic district filled with Puerto Rican restaurants, duty-free shopping, streetside cafes, and quaint hostels + guesthouses. About midway through your day of exploration, this is the best place to find some good food and a coffee to continue on your tour.

Castillo San Cristobal

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Opposite El Morro is Castillo San Cristobal, the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas. Your admission ticket via the National Park Service at El Morro will enable entry into the seaside castle.

La Perla

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Originally home to a collection of slaughterhouses, La Perla is a seaside neighborhood of Old San Juan. Once considered dangerous, the area is now a revitalized section of the city worth visiting.

Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

📍Google

The 1863 oceanside cemetery serves as the burial spot of many famous Puerto Ricans. We enjoyed the sights of the cemetery from above as it seemed disrespectful to wander amongst the graves as a tourist.

Restaurants in Old San Juan

You won’t have much difficulty finding a great lunch or dinner spot during your day in Old San Juan. Sure, you can get all types of cuisine, but you should take advantage of the delicious Puerto Rican restaurants while you’re here:

• Restaurante Raices – Puerto Rican fare including mofongo, a delicious plantain-based dish served in a wooden pilon.
• Barrachina – slightly upscale old-world eatery with homestyle options.
• Cafe Manolin – Creole-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, diner setting.

🥘 Puerto Rican Food Tours: One of the best ways to experience the culinary scene of Puerto Rico is to embark on this Flavors of Old San Juan Walking Tour!

Where to Stay in Old San Juan

Old San Juan has the widest range of accommodation offerings within Puerto Rico including boutique hotels, budget hostels, and private apartments.

• El Colonial – adults-only boutique in the heart of Old San Juan.
• Fortel Hostel – budget-friendly hostel on Calle de la Fortaleza.
• 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique – highly-rated guest house for couples and two-person trips.

What to Pack for a Day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Even during the winter seasons, Puerto Rico is hot with intense sunlight. Throughout the entire country, you should use mineral sunscreen (use coupon code, “OceanWide” for 10% off)
• Sturdy Shoes. The cobblestone streets are uneven in many places and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.
• With so much walking, a beating sun, and hot temperatures, you’ll need a reusable water bottle.
• Puerto Rico Adventure Map. I use this handy map all over Puerto Rico.
• Camera. You’ll want to capture all the memories you possibly can! We use our GoPro 11 for most of our photos and videos!
• Collapsible Umbrella. Rain is sudden and sporadic in the Caribbean.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: FAQs

Why do people go to Old San Juan?

People go to Old San Juan in Puerto Rico to experience the roots of Puerto Rican culture. Old Spanish fortifications line the oceanside cliffs before tapering into blue cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored colonial architecture.

How long do you need in Old San Juan?

Two nights and three days is the best amount of time to enjoy all of Old San Juan. Although, you can see most of the historic landmarks of Old San Juan in one day.

Is it worth staying in Old San Juan?

Old San Juan is the best area to stay in the San Juan metropolis area. The historic district is geared towards tourists with many shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs lining its colorful streets.

How long does it take to walk around Old San Juan?

Without stopping, you can walk around all of Old San Juan in one hour. However, allow yourself a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the historic district and its landmarks.

Is One Day in Old San Juan enough?

One day in Old San Juan is enough time to enjoy the architecture, historic buildings, and a few delicious Puerto Rican restaurants. But to fully enjoy everything the district has to offer, I would give yourself at least two nights and three days.